Predictors of congenital anomalies among neonates admitted to public hospitals in eastern Ethiopia: a case–control study

Abstract

Objective: Over 8 million newborns worldwide have congenital anomalies; 3.2 million have resultant disabilities. Ethiopia has a high burden of neonatal congenital anomalies, but research on predictors is limited. This study investigated predictors of neonatal congenital anomalies in eastern Ethiopia. Methods: A facility-based unmatched case–control study on 387 mother–infant pairs (129 cases, 258 controls) in public hospitals was conducted. Data were obtained using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire and a medical record review. Binary logistic regression with adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) was used to identify predictors of congenital anomaly. Results: Nervous system anomalies were most common 84 (65.1%), followed by gastrointestinal system anomalies 20 (15.5%). Maternal anemia (AOR: 4.37, 95% CI: 2.48–7.69), alcohol consumption during index pregnancy (AOR: 4.01, 95% CI: 1.88–8.54), khat chewing (AOR: 1.73; 95% CI: 1.04–2.85), rural residence (AOR: 1.73, 95% CI: 1.04–2.85) and antenatal care attendance (AOR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.22–0.84) were significant predictors of congenital anomaly. Conclusion: Several risk factors for congenital anomalies were identified. To reduce risk, antenatal care services should be improved and mothers encouraged to avoid harmful substances during pregnancy and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Intervention strategies are needed to target these risk factors.